Bridesmaids

Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’Dowd, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Jon Hamm, Matt Lucas

Dir. Paul Feig
Scr. Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo

Bridesmaids has been labelled the female Hangover. And it’s not a bad comparison – there is complete inappropriateness that will make you shake your head at your own laughter, an element of the crude and many memorable moments (good and bad). For my money, Bridesmaids is better written with sharper dialogue (thanks largely, I suspect, to the brilliant Wiig), though twenty minutes could have easily been shaved off to make the movie more evenly paced. Simply put, you will know whether you’re the type of movie-goer that will want to spend $15 on a film such as this. I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

Bridesmaids is about a wedding, that’s a no-brainer, and a maid of honour struggling to do right by her best friend. Annie (Wiig) is disastrously unlucky in love and, when asked by Lillian (Rudolph) to be her maid of honour, has an immediate hot flush. Not a great start. And, believe me, it all gets a whole lot worse. From food poisoning to being kicked off a flight to freaking out at the bridal shower, Annie is not cut out for the job. Her arch nemesis, Johnny-come-lately friend Helen (Byrne), outdoes her at every turn and Annie is stripped of her maid of honour title. I’m sure I’m not spoiling the ending by saying everything turns out for the best, but not without some soul-searching, a new beau (O’Dowd) and some brilliant life coaching from fellow bridesmaid Megan (the wonderful McCarthy).

Wiig is undoubtedly the star of the show. A Saturday Night Live veteran, Wiig has finally been given a high profile vehicle all of her own. And it’s about time. She has a Meg Ryan/Cameron Diaz quality to her – loveable and goofy. She walks a fine line in this film – the character of Annie is very close to being completely unlikeable, but Wiig’s comic skills and persona make you root for her despite all her misdemeanours. I imagine most women can, in our own way, relate to Annie. She is a wonderfully written character, warts and all. Wiig has surrounded herself with a stellar and sometimes surprising cast. The fellow bridesmaids & bride are an eclectic bunch, played by some very funny actresses. McCarthy is particularly memorable, but they are all wonderful in their way. A key to the success of the story is the relationship between Annie and Lillian and this is played out with touching authenticity. O’Dowd, as Annie’s love interest Nathan, is simply adorable and quirky. An uncredited Hamm, of Mad Men fame, gives a brilliant turn as Annie’s love dis-interest. Turns from Matt Lucas and even Wilson Phillips makes Bridesmaids, at times, a little surreal.

Bridesmaids falls flat a little in the middle and I think it could have easily shed a few scenes without affecting the story. But it never takes long to get you back on board and, invariably, laughing or cringing again. There were two particularly cringe-worthy scenes, during both of which I was hiding behind my hands – one out of sheer embarrassment, one because of sheer gross-out factor. And while I would be loathe to have taken either scene out of the movie, part of me wishes the latter could be wiped from my memory! And that brings me to a warning: you need to know what type of movie this is before you go. This is not Steel Magnolias. This is not a film to take your grandmother to (unless your grandmother happens to be Betty White). I’m going to recommend this movie – don’t come crying to me if you see it on that recommendation and it grosses you out.

In the end, Bridesmaids is sweet, funny and a little sickening. It’s certainly formulaic but manages to outshine most comedies of the last couple of years with sheer sass. You may have to drag your male significant other (I didn’t succeed on that front), but I doubt they will regret it. And Kristen Wiig – oh my, what a joy. Let’s just say I have a new lesbian crush. Oh, and there are yawning puppies – there is simply nothing cuter on earth.

-----------------------------

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewellery Store: You're weird.

Annie: I'm not weird. OK?

13-Year-Old Girl: Yes, you are.

Annie: No, I'm not! And you started it.

13-Year-Old Girl: No, you started it! Did you forget to take your Zanax this morning?

Annie: Oh, I feel sorry for your parents.

13-Year-Old Girl: I feel sorry for your face.